My Instagram Challenge!

Blogging and Instagram definitely go hand-in-hand. My Instagram account (@may.kamsch.designs) promotes my blog and my blog promotes my Instagram! I am always trying to think of new ideas that will interest my readers/followers! So I had decided to create and host some type of design challenge on Instagram! After brainstorming a few ideas with my boyfriend (who is basically my social media coach) we decided on a challenge where about 10 host, each have to create a minimalist centerpiece using only three items. We decided on the minimalist idea because that is something we are always drawn to but I struggle to achieve. So limiting the arrangement to only three items is a great guide to keeping it looking minimalist! In the mindset of Spring cleaning, we are all trying to keep our homes less cluttered! So I thought this was great timing to challenge myself (and you!) as a designer. And for anyone on a budget, knowing that you can create a stunning centerpiece with only three items is a plus!

The Instagram Challenge will be from February 25th through March 4th 2018. Where we will be inviting any interior design/home accounts into the challenge and to share their own arrangement using only three items, on Instagram with the caption including our hashtag #threepiececenterpiecechallenge! The winner will be announced on March 5th and their photo will be reposted by each of the host!

In choosing my own arrangement, I had to play around with a few different looks before I got it right! I had first decided to use my new coffee table instead of kitchen table because (well it's new) and the living room has a more minimalist look than the kitchen. Below are a few different arrangements I had tried before settling on one. The one I chose I knew was the best because after photographing it I wanted to leave it out, not put everything back to how it was before.

Arrangement #1 Kept it very simple with one item being a book

Arrangement #2 Added a bit more interest with a candle in a unique candleholder

Arrangement #4 The tin is both practical and beautiful (it hides away clutter like remotes) the candle is interesting yet minimalist and the roses are seasonal! This one is THE WINNER

Photography

I love any excuse to practice my photography skills as well. Which has been a challenge for me but something I can visibly see improvement in as I get more experience. I didn't really start improving until I got my Canon (it was a Christmas present from my mom a few years ago, and she was a photographer so I had her pick out a camera for me) she got me a Canon EOS Rebel T5 with a few extra lenses, extra batteries, a tripod and a case! Which is more than enough for any photographer just getting started. Her main piece of advice is to take as many photos as possible. Since you can do that so easily with digital, take advantage of capturing every second and every angle. I think lighting is very important as well. When indoors I always turn OFF the flash, use as much natural light as possible and try to use softer lights like lamps instead of a ceiling fan or any florescent lighting. Also recently I got two photographer lighting kits, shown to the right, (not quite sure the technical name). These are great for interior decor as you can aim the light to highlight what you are shooting. Once my photos are loaded onto my laptop I usually edit the lighting and color effects just a tiny bit. I believe that photography, just like design and many other things, is about learning as you go and improving with research and experience!

I want to close off with my Instagram design challenge! I am hoping all goes with with this #threepiececenterpiecechallenge and will be able to host many other challenges. Follow the hashtag on instagram for more centerpiece inspiration! And you can post your own arrangement for a chance to be reposted by each of the host! For my second challenge I would love to do something Easter related, such as #untraditonalbasket or #paintedeastereggs. And then eventually do one or two challenges each month! Let me know what you think of my next idea, if you have any other challenge ideas or if you would like to be a host!